Varied Carpet Beetle

Indoors, they are commonly found in carpets, furniture, closets, and museum collections. Outdoors, they inhabit bird nests and animal burrows.

Larvae scavenge on natural fibers such as wool, silk, feathers, fur, and dried food products. Adults primarily feed on pollen and nectar from flowers.

Larvae are photophobic and seclude themselves in dark areas while feeding. Adult beetles are attracted to light and often found near windows during spring when they try to move outdoors to mate.

They are a significant household pest that can cause extensive damage to clothing, upholstery, and organic materials. While they do not bite humans, handling larvae can cause skin irritation or 'carpet beetle dermatitis' in sensitive individuals.